037. Gold

The color of the big creature’s eyes is perfect. They’re so clear and bright it’s like a fire is lit behind them. The slightest bit of light, and they reflect like mirrors of polished gold. They always track her when she moves, and make her wonder what the altered animal really thinks as he watches her. Is she ‘mom’ or alpha or an eternal cub in need of protection? She’s pretty sure it’s latter, which is fine. It makes him an acceptable replacement for a security chief and a few family members who tend not to deal with her anymore.

027. Stay

It’s the one thing she’s never been able to do. No matter how they ask or how badly they need her. It’s her weakness, this fear that she hasn’t been able to forge into a weapon or strength.

 They never ask until there’s a reason for her to leave. A betrayal. A lack of need. Some kind of imbalance. The kind of thing that gets under her skin and make her want to run. Sentient beings are inconsistent in their needs and wants.

 Plants and animals are much more reliable. They’re consistent. They will always need her. So she stays.